Plumbing often involves repair and replacement of local equipment. The simplest cosmetic measures affect faucets, fittings, connectors and other small-format fittings. As part of the overhaul, it may be necessary to update the basic large-sized equipment. The most difficult procedure in this part is the dismantling of the bath, since it is determined by preparation for working with a large load, and the need for competent disconnection from communication drives.
Preparatory work
At this stage, the main goal is to remove obstacles that may interfere with the main part of dismantling. The preparation should begin with the removal of furniture and accessories from the room. This can be hygiene items, shelves, cleaning equipment and smaller equipment, which is also planned to be replaced. If possible, engineer connections should be disconnected at the same stage. If plumbing channels connect the bath and the toilet, then you can not do without uninstalling the latter. It is important to remember that replacing the bath will involve risks of damage to the facing materials. Therefore, it is worth considering protective coatings for tiles or other decorative surfaces that are in close proximity to the working area. You should also prepare the doorway for the subsequent removal of the bath. Sometimes this requires the dismantling of the box with the canvas.
Dismantling sequence
The whole process can be divided into two stages: direct disconnection of the bath from the plumbing and physical removal of the structure. The first part involves the separation of channels providing protection against overflow, as well as a siphon. Initially, access to these areas should be provided to facilitate work operations. The easiest way to disconnect is with modern plastic pipes - for this it is enough to arm yourself with a key of a suitable size and unscrew the mounting fittings. Problems can arise when dismantling an old metal liner. If the usual disconnection scheme does not work due to the decay of communications, then it is quite possible to resort to pipe cutting - in the future it will still be advisable to switch to the same PVC pipes instead of metal. Next, a physical dismantling of the bath is performed, which will require the participation of several people. The mass of the structure can reach 100-150 kg, therefore, without external assistance, this operation can not be cope. Typically, bathtubs are held on concrete, brick or plastic supports, without requiring the removal of complex fasteners - the main obstacle will be the pairing of the bathtub edges with the adjacent lining. The structure must be delicately lifted and removed to a previously released or even widened doorway.
The nuances of working with legs
Old Soviet designs are distinguished by the presence of legs that hold the bath. This solution is also found in some new bath models, but in a more civilized form from the point of view of installation. Some old modifications in this sense cause problems due to capital integration into the floor. That is, additional dismantling operations related to the liquidation of this fastener may be required. For such works, grinders are used. ” An angle grinder cuts out the lower part of the legs, if another method of dismantling is not possible. But it’s best to remove the old bathtub by completely dismantling the holders embedded in the floor. This may require work with the destruction of the foundation arranged under the bath in the form of a screed. This will release the legs, for example, if they were flooded with concrete.
Dismantling the steel bath
This is the least desirable, but in some cases the only possible way to dismantle the bath. It is used in cases where the whole structure does not pass in the doorway or if, due to the inaccessibility to the lower fasteners, it is not possible to uninstall the same legs. In any case, communications should be disconnected at this point. Directly dismantling the bath is implemented by the same grinder with a nozzle for cutting metal. Cutting is carried out with a minimum number of parts so that they can pass into the doorway. Depending on the model of the tool, the possibility of instant dust collection by an integrated vacuum cleaner in the design can also be provided. This will minimize the spread of fine metal dust during the cutting process.
Features of dismantling cast iron structures
Cast iron structures are often destroyed due to the fact that they have long lost their relevance and are not used again. And the destruction into small parts further simplifies the process of removal. But unlike a steel bath, cast-iron counterparts are quite amenable to the mechanical action of a sledgehammer. This metal, although durable, but brittle and crack under sufficient load. In addition to sledgehammers, you can also use scrap. Destructive dismantling of the cast-iron bath is carried out in protective gloves, a mask and an apron - this will eliminate the risk of injury from flying fragments. It is also necessary to ensure the protection of other sanitary equipment sensitive to external influences. The main thing is that the surrounding areas are not affected. You can initially gently detach the structure from the tile at the joints. True, strong vibrations in this case can damage the tile.
How are bathtubs organized?
If dismantling in a destructive way can be done independently if you have the skills to handle the above tool, then it is advisable to entrust the removal to specialized firms. Today there are many companies that quickly, carefully and safely carry out such events. They also perform the dismantling of the bathtub, using professional techniques, so you can count on the full cycle of work. As for the export, the dismantled bath or its parts are packed in place in an insulating protective material, and then taken out of the apartment and then to the location of the vehicle. Typically, such work is carried out by teams of 4-5 people.
The cost of dismantling and removal services
Depending on the complexity, dismantling measures can cost about 2-3 thousand rubles. The specific cost depends on the conditions of the operation, and on the characteristics of the structure. Requirements for maintaining the appearance also determine how much it will cost to dismantle the bath. The price for work with a guarantee of integrity is usually 500-100 rubles. more, that is 2.5 thousand on average.
Export rates are also slightly different. Although such services also depend on the conditions of the event and the transportation distance, on average they fit into the same 3 thousand. By the way, representatives of metal processing enterprises also carry out the removal of bathtubs. In this case, you can count on the free service provided that the owner rejects the dismantled product.
Conclusion
Even during the planning of dismantling, it is important to calculate how the vacated space will be arranged. In particular, the possibilities of eliminating external communications and the adjacent cladding zone depend on this. If the replacement of the bath is complemented by a complete renovation of the room with an engineering infrastructure, this will greatly facilitate the work. In this case, it is not necessary to isolate the decorative coatings and additionally protect the protruding sewage pipes. Experts recommend, especially in the case of the removal of old bathtubs, to completely renew the plumbing.